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Also check [[Things_to_carry#Camping|things to carry]]
==Water==While you may come across fresh, clear water many times on your travels, care must be taken to avoid becomming sick qhen drinking it. Microscopic bacteria is often found in fresh water stream and rivers, especially near civilization or agricultural areas (farms). Even slight contamination of a water source can ;leave you violently ill. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to treat suspected water.Boil it for at least 10 minutes. This is one of the most surefire ways to purify water, but tends to require lots of fuel and patience.Water filtering. Personal water filters have become commonplace among hikers to ensure that their water is safe to drink. For the average traveler, however, they may be bulky and expensive.Chemical treatment. From simple household bleach, iodine, chlorine, or similar chemicals to two-part time-sensitive compounds, chemical purification can offer a small, light-weight and inexpensive option to ensure water purity. Many chemicals can leave water with a slight aftertaste, which can be removed by adding a small amount of powdered drink mix or similar flavoring. When using chemical compounds, it is important to follow manufacturer guidelines, as many of these chemicals are poisonous if misused. A personal favorite of [stove] is "aqua mira", either in a two part liquid or a small dissolvable pill. Liquid to treat 120 liters costs approx $10.==Toilet=="how to sh*t in the woods" is both a comical look at some of the more awkward aspects of camping, as well as a useful resource for information. While using leaves or other local plant life can work, carrying a small amount of toilet paper may make for a happier experience. In general, dig a small pit, squat over it, do your buisness, toss in the paper when finished, and cover the hole back up. Try to make your pit at least 20cm deep (6 inches), as nobody wants to accidentally step in it. Oh, and a personal reccomendation: don't make your bathroom near where you plan to sleep. This lesson is generally only learned once.
[[Category:Equipment]]
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